Injury blow for the Reds: Liverpool's best player to be assessed after concerning discomfort on international duty

Per The Athletic, Gravenberch is set to be assessed after appearing to sustain an injury during the Netherlands' World Cup qualifying win over Finland at the weekend. Ronald Koeman revealed at full-time that the substitution was precautionary in nature, although he did explain that the Reds star was suffering from hamstring discomfort. He has only missed eight games throughout his time with the Reds, but could now be facing up to the reality of a lay-off. Liverpool play Manchester United next and could do without arguably their best player, who previously struggled in Jurgen Klopp's final season, being in the treatment room - he has been linked with Real Madrid but his performances this season surely merit a new contract. 

Koeman said at full-time: "Ryan indicated he was experiencing some minor hamstring discomfort. We obviously didn't take any risks with that."

Manager Slot has transformed Gravenberch into one of the finest players in the Premier League, and he has revealed his delight at working under his countryman at Anfield. 

He said: "I just feel good in my skin, to be honest. But does that have a reason? Yeah, things are going well at the club. I'm just doing my thing, and it's working out well now.

"He (Slot) gives me confidence now. He just lets me start in the lineup. It's going pretty well.

"As a player, you obviously want to get minutes. For me, that confidence is part of it. With that confidence, I feel more comfortable, and with the minutes, it keeps getting better."

Gravenberch added: "He's a good coach. He knows what he wants. He has a clear plan. Yeah, so far, we're executing it really well. Clarity from the start is always nice for me."

Pundit Joleon Lescott, meanwhile, has claimed he is one of the best midfielders in the world, adding: "There's an argument for it. His contributions, his goals and assists. He's been in a title-winning team. He's been the best No. 6 in the league. He was arguably their best player last year.

"He should definitely be considered. If you're one of the best in any position in the Premier League, then you're going to be considered the best in the world."

The midfielder himself appears to have backed Koeman's version of events, insisting that he was only withdrawn as a precautionary measure. 

He added: "It had a bit to do with fitness. The season is long, so it was precautionary. I feel good about myself and I have the confidence of the trainer."

Thus far this season, the 23-year-old has made eight appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He has been unable to limit their recent woes, though, with the Reds losing to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea on the bounce. 

Slot's side remain at the right end of the league table - they are second, just one point behind leaders Arsenal, ahead of the resumption of domestic duties. 

Liverpool face United next weekend and will hope to have Gravenberch available. The Reds can ill-afford a defeat against United, who sit 10th in the Premier League table. Once a classic rivalry, it has become altogether one-sided in recent years and United have won just two of the last 10 meetings between the two clubs. Last season, at Anfield, the two drew 2-2, but Liverpool won 3-0 at Old Trafford. United have, at least, clawed back some credibility; since a thumping 7-0 defeat at Anfield in 2023, the Red Devils have lost only once there, drawing three and winning one.